Lions' running back Stewart out six weeks

ALLEN PARK, Mich. - Running back James Stewart could be out six weeks after dislocating his right shoulder in Detroit's final exhibition game.

Stewart, the Lions' leading rusher in each of his three seasons with them, was hurt six minutes into Buffalo's 22-16 victory Thursday night.

Detroit coach Steve Mariucci said that fortunately there is no structural damage to the shoulder.

"There is no structural damage. It won't require surgery," Mariucci said Friday after Stewart was examined.

"It's a week-to-week sort of thing. It's hard to put a number of weeks on it because every dislocated shoulder is different.

"I would like to hope he'll be back by the bye week (Oct. 12, Week 6 of the NFL season)."

Stewart attended Friday's practice and worked out on a stationary bike.

Stewart's injury sets back Detroit's hopes to improve after winning just three games last year, and two the season before.

His backups are Shawn Bryson, who's coming off knee surgery; Autry Denson, a four-year journeyman; and Avon Cobourne, an undrafted free agent out of West Virginia.

Cobourne did show some flashes of promise against the Bills with two catches for 51 yards, including a 42-yarder, and 19 yards rushing.

After Stewart was stood up at the line of scrimmage by safety Coy Wire, he was tackled from behind by three other defenders. Stewart left the field gingerly holding his right arm away from his body.

The injury occurred during the Lions' second series, which probably would have been Stewart's last of the game. He had carried seven times for 27 yards and caught one pass for 12 yards before getting hurt.

The Lions will indefinitely be without reserve linebacker Brian Williams, who dislocated his left shoulder Thursday. Williams started Detroit's first three games last year, but missed the rest of the season with a broken leg.

Detroit opens it season Sept. 7 at home against Arizona.

Stewart was acquired two seasons ago by the Lions to fill the feature back position. He lanquished on the bench previously at Jacksonville, where he played behind standout NFL back Fred Taylor.